Monrovia, Liberia – September 2, 2025-Montserrado County District #7 Representative, Emmanuel Dahn, has petitioned the House of Representatives to summon the leadership of the Liberia National Police (LNP) to explain the circumstances surrounding a controversial raid on Gurley Street that has sparked public outrage.
The raid, carried out on August 11 at the offices of the Association of Liberia Professional Secretaries and Clerks Incorporated (ALIPROSEC), commonly referred to as the World Trade Center, led to the confiscation of vital business equipment including computers, printers, and other tools used by entrepreneurs and young professionals.
In a formal communication to the House dated August 28, Rep. Dahn criticized the police action as a direct attack on livelihoods, stressing that the operation had severely affected small business owners, students, and youth who depend on the center as a hub for economic empowerment.
“For decades, the World Trade Center has served as a beacon of self-empowerment for Liberians from all walks of life,” Dahn said. “The recent actions of the police have disrupted livelihoods and deepened hardship for families who depend on these legitimate enterprises.”
The lawmaker is urging the House Leadership to summon the Inspector General of Police to provide clarity on the raid’s objectives, its legal justification, and the manner in which it was executed. He underscored that his demand is not an attack on law enforcement but rather a call for transparency, due process, and institutional accountability.
“The public deserves to know the rationale behind such a disruptive operation,” Rep. Dahn emphasized. “It is our duty as legislators to safeguard the rights of our people and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.”
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation in downtown Monrovia, where the World Trade Center has long been a hub for small-scale entrepreneurs, clerks, and entry-level professionals seeking affordable services and mentorship.
Civil society groups, youth advocates, and market women associations have expressed solidarity with Rep. Dahn, applauding his efforts to demand answers on behalf of ordinary Liberians. “This place isn’t just a building—it’s a platform for self-employment and progress. We need our leaders to protect spaces like these, not tear them down,” one youth advocate remarked.
As the House of Representatives considers the petition, Rep. Dahn has appealed to the public to remain calm, assuring that the issue will be addressed through legislative engagement. He reaffirmed his commitment to defending the rights of his constituents and ensuring that government institutions operate within the framework of the law.
The House is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days, a decision that could set the stage for a crucial accountability session between lawmakers and the police leadership.
